Winter 2020 - Student FAQ

When do classes begin? And will they be online, Zoom, or canceled?

This depends on the course

Please note: You may receive specific communication from your instructors about course meeting times and delivery that differs from the information below. In these circumstances, please rely on what was provided to you by your instructor(s).

Online Courses

These will continue as planned for the Winter 2020 Semester.

On-Campus Lecture-Based Courses

• In most instances, on-campus lecture-based courses have converted to real-time synchronous courses for the remainder of the Winter 2020 Semester (delivered during the course’s scheduled time). Course content will be delivered through Zoom. Zoom lectures and discussions will be recorded for asynchronous playback, supporting students with time and/or internet restrictions. This depends on the instructor and section. Students will receive course-specific information from their instructors.
• Remote delivery of course content will continue for the remainder of the Winter 2020 Semester.
• For those students who were enrolled in lab-based courses and were not able to complete coursework, the College plans to reopen some of its facilities starting June 22 for lab-based courses that require in-person instruction. The College will take all necessary precautions to ensure that safe and healthy practices are followed. Students can expect to receive additional information directly from their instructors. Reopening date is subject to change based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.
• Updated attendance tracking/policies, assignments, grades, syllabi, etc. will be available in Moodle.
• The Remote Teaching and Learning website offers guides for how to use Zoom to access these courses.

Labs

• There will be no face-to-face courses or labs through June 22. Students will not need to attend on-site labs/courses during this time.
• Some labs will move to remote delivery (online strategies). Others will not be able to achieve course goals through online means. For labs that cannot shift to remote options, students will receive Incompletes, allowing them to complete coursework at a later date. For those students who were enrolled in lab-based courses and were not able to complete coursework, the College plans to reopen some of its facilities starting June 22 for lab-based courses that require in-person, hands-on instruction. The College will take all necessary precautions to ensure that safe and healthy practices are followed. Students can expect to receive additional information directly from their instructors. Reopening date is subject to change based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.
• Instructors will communicate directly with their students about how lab work will continue.

Proctored Tests

• As of 3/23/2020, the College announced that there would be no campus building access for students through May 28, in accordance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home mandate.
• TESTING SERVICES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON-SITE during this time.
• The College is actively considering alternatives to on-campus and in-person test proctoring. Specific testing protocol will be determined by each instructor and communicated to their students.

When will classes return to on-campus delivery?

Course content will be delivered remotely for the remainder of the Winter 2020 Semester. Communications about adjustments to course delivery will come from instructors.

Can I come to campus? Are any buildings open to me?

As of 3/23/2020 at 11:59PM, the College will not allow any building access through May 28, in accordance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home mandate. This applies to all campus sites and buildings. Correspondingly, students will no longer have access to any on-campus computer labs.

Wireless internet access continues to be available in campus parking lots.

There are few exceptions for employees. However, those who fall under the mandate's provision that they provide necessary basic operations (including processing payroll) and allow the College to maintain its facility and security, will be allowed limited entry. These employees should only be in a College building for the minimum amount of time required to complete their work.

Campus security, which occurs through separate contracts with the local sheriff's offices and STT Services will remain on duty. This team has generously agreed to keeping our Campus Cupboard running. They will fill online requests received before noon on Thursday and have them ready for outside pickups on Fridays.

I have limited internet access. What can I do to join my classes remotely?

There are some Internet Provider offers that may assist you with internet access during the pandemic.

Charter is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for K-12 and College students who do not currently have internet.

Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days to new families signing up.

ATT is also responding with internet service options.

Most Telecom companies are supporting the Keep America Connected pledge. In most cases, late fees are waived and data limits are removed in order to expand cell and data availability. Connect with your current providers to learn about programs for which you are eligible.

Wireless internet access continues to be available in campus parking lots.

I do not have a connected device. What can I do to join my classes remotely?

Device Check-Out

The College has a very limited number of devices that can be checked out by students. Because of the limited quantities, the College asks that students respectfully refrain from requesting these devices unless they have no other options. Those students who need to check out a device can do so by submitting a HelpDesk ticket.

Are Student Services still available?

You can request virtual advising and meetings in order to receive financial aid, academic advising, admissions, and enrollment assistance.

There are a few ways to connect remotely with these teams.

• Virtual “Walk-In” Assistance: You can quickly video/voice conference with one of our friendly staff members Monday-Friday from 9am-3:30pm. You will first enter the Virtual Waiting Room. When you reach the front of the queue, you will be directed into a private breakout room with the staff member who can best answer your question(s) or meet your need(s).

Enter the Student Services Virtual Room

• Phone/Zoom Appointments: If you would prefer to schedule an appointment with a Mentor, please complete our Request Form. Once your request has been processed, you will be contacted via your Mid email to confirm the details of your appointment.
• Email:
  • Mentors: mentors@midmich.edu
  • Financial Aid: finaid@midmich.edu
  • Registration and Records: enrollment@midmich.edu

Is the Campus Cupboard Food Pantry still available?

Yes, the Campus Cupboard is still open. We've doubled the amount of items that students can request.

Each week, our security team will fill requests received before noon on Thursday and have them ready for outside pickups on Fridays.

You can submit an online request and pick up your order on campus.

Are Library and Learning Services available?

Yes. Remotely and online.

Libraries, learning services, and testing centers on both campuses are closed until May 28. The College is still providing virtual access and assistance.

• Interlibrary loans have been suspended until further notice.
• For online databases, students or faculty without a Library/student I.D. card should use a generic barcode number that can be used to authenticate into the Electronic Research Database: 23243004626908
• Laptop checkouts are available in very limited amounts. We encourage only those students with no other device access to check these out. Requests can be made through a HelpDesk ticket.

All Learning Services are available, with many moving to online delivery.

• Writing and Reading Center: Consultations can be accessed through Moodle online submission and via Zoom sessions. All students will have 24-hour access to assistance with turnaround timeframes varying by method. Here is a video to help students submit assignments online for feedback, and students can fill out this form to set up a virtual face-to-face meeting. Full details available on the Library and Learning Services site.
• Math Lab: The Math lab continues to be available during its regular hours, but tutors will not be available on campus. Instead, students should access services through the online math lab link. This link allows students to schedule a tutor. Services will be provided at an arranged time through a Zoom meeting.
• Testing services: The College is working hard to find proctored test alternatives. Details on how test proctoring will be handled in each class will come from instructors, and students should rely on information from their instructors.

What if I’m at elevated risk, sick, or facing challenges that prevent me from attending class?

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

We all need to work together and support one another during this time. Keep your instructors, your Mid Mentor, and other Mid staff informed and aware about how you’re feeling, what concerns you have, and what you think you need.

Learn about ways to prevent spread and recommendations about who is at elevated risk.

If you get sick, please stay at home.

What College events have been canceled?

All Mid Michigan College events, including athletics, commencement, honors convocation, nursing pinning ceremony, annual fundraiser "A Northern Tradition," Mountain Bike Races, and anything else scheduled before May 15 has been canceled. We will communicate alternative plans when/if they are available.

Lifelong Learning Classes: Visit the Lifelong Learning web page for complete class information.

Short-Term trainings and non-credit program work may still be taking place. Visit the appropriate page on the Corporate and Continuing Education site to learn about these offerings.

Should I disinfect my electronic devices?

Though there is some debate about this, current recommendations for maintaining clean, disinfected phones are as follow:

Most importantly, keep your hands regularly clean and disinfected and refrain from touching your face.

Use a disinfecting wipe to lightly wipe the phone or tablet’s surface, and follow this cleaning by drying your device with a microfiber cloth. Wash the cloth after use. If you do not have access to disinfecting wipes, you may use a very fine dose of rubbing alcohol (70%) instead.

(Note: This information was provided by online sources and not Mid Michigan College)

I’m struggling to use Zoom and/or Moodle. How can I get help?

We’ve assembled resources for students at the Remote Learning and Teaching webpage.

The Writing & Reading Center also has staff members available to help you navigate your online classes.

For specific tech questions, submit a HelpDesk ticket.

How will the College communicate with me about important changes and updates?

We want you to stay informed and aware. The College will continue emailing you and updating its midmich.edu/covid19 web area. In order to maintain consistent, real-time updates, we’ll also be managing this Student FAQ page.

For course-specific updates and information, you should expect to hear directly from your instructors. Consult your syllabi or communications from them about the ways information is shared in each course.

How does this affect athletics?

Athletic practices and events have been canceled for the rest of the semester, with likely extensions.

What about student workers and their jobs?

Communication is Key

Specific information will be provided to student workers by their supervisors. Every student job is different, so we encourage student workers to connect with their supervisors about how their role will be impacted and how to shift to remote work.

General Info for Student Workers

As we head into this time of restricted access to campus grounds and buildings (March 19-May 15), the College recognizes the impact on its student workers. We realize that many student workers rely on their College job pay, and as such, Mid will honor their employment when at all possible.

Student employees will be given access to remote working tasks and projects equal to their average hours. They can also decide that they want to reduce their hours going forward or determine they do not want to work during this time.

The College is working to quickly determine details and to answer more questions, which will be communicated to student workers by their supervisors. Comprehensive information was sent to student workers the week of March 23^rd.

Are the campus stores open?

Both Campus Stores will be closed to the public until May 15, but are operational via the website and email. We will be monitoring emails and processing all web orders. Please contact Kelly Koch at kkoch@midmich.edu if you need Mid Michigan College Campus Store assistance.

I’m facing some barriers to completing. Can I get an Incomplete?

As an alternative to withdrawing, some faculty may allow students to take an Incomplete in the class so they have more time to complete it or can complete it in non-remote ways. This option is at the discretion of each faculty member. For information specific to your classes, reach out to your instructors.

In a recent email to faculty, Dr. Fager, VP of Academic Affairs, encouraged faculty to “be liberal with assigning Incompletes to help our students succeed regardless of any barriers they may encounter.” Faculty were asked to assign an Incomplete as needed when they enter final grades and to extend (for now) a completion deadline of August 7, 2020. An Incomplete may be extended further on a case-by-case basis.

Can I choose to take a class as Credit/No Credit?

After much careful discussion, Mid is not planning to move to a Credit/No Credit grading system. We are also not planning to offer that option for individual classes or students.

We understand that this differs from many universities. But, Mid’s decision reflects the differences between a two-year and four-year consideration of this topic.

In many instances, the Credit/No Credit option does not work well for community college students’ goals. For example, students do not receive credit for the course if they don’t earn a C or better, but if a student is going to earn a C or better, they are often better off taking the grade. There are also complications with classes taken on a Credit/No Credit basis for students transferring to universities or entering/participating in accredited programs. Universities can allow a Pass/Fail option more easily, because they do not need to accommodate students’ transferring from their institution, and they can set their own guidelines for their accredited programs.

We understand that students are experiencing a big change in the middle of the semester. These changes may be frustrating and concerning. Please be assured that we are working to help you succeed while we all weather this storm.

There are a number of accommodations and supports in place to assist you.

• The faculty are adjusting their instructional methods and making a number of accommodations to ensure that students achieve the learning outcomes for each class. Students should talk to their instructors about any issues they are having.
• There are a number of supports outside of the classroom like online tutoring. We are also exploring options like online study groups.
• Additional student supports and accommodations are available on a case-by-case basis from the Accommodations Office.

What about withdrawing from classes?

We understand that students are experiencing a big change in the middle of the semester. These changes may be frustrating and concerning. Please be assured that we are working to help you succeed while we all weather this storm.

At this point, we encourage you to stick with your classes and to work with faculty to overcome challenges presented by the shift to remote learning. Course withdrawals can be made until May 1, so working through a few bumps early on might pay dividends later. And, being successful in classes this semester will keep you on path toward graduation and your future transfer and/or career goals.

There are a number of accommodations and supports in place to assist you.

• The faculty are adjusting their instructional methods and making a number of accommodations to ensure that courses achieve their learning outcomes. You should talk to your instructors about any issues, questions, or concerns.
• There are a number of supports outside of the classroom like online tutoring. We are also exploring options like online study groups.
• Additional student supports and accommodations are available on a case-by-case basis from the Accommodations Office.

Overall, we recognize that each student’s situation is different and that there may be difficulties to navigate. But the College has put a number of measures in place to help students manage those difficulties in the hope that withdrawal is a last resort.

The decision to withdraw can be complex and have various impacts to GPA, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Financial Aid, and other things. You should always talk to your Mid Mentor before deciding to withdraw so that you fully understand the associated consequences and impacts of that decision.

How do I return a textbook that I rented?

If you rented a textbook from a Mid Michgian College Campus Store, you will receive an email with the following instructions and UPS Quantum View link.

UPS Quantum View provides instructions on how to get a shipping label, how to prepare your package, and how to drop off the package or arrange for a pickup. This process is ONLY for RENTAL books from Mid Michigan College, and the return date has been extended to Friday, May 10, 2020.

Textbook Buyback is a separate process and details will be announced soon.

How do I sell back my textbooks?

• We’ve arranged for you to sell your books ONLINE through Mid’s Campus Store. The next in-store book buyback is scheduled for August 3-7.
• Remember—do not sell any books you’ve rented. Students who rented books have been sent information and return shipping labels and should follow the rental book return process.
• Questions? Email us at campus-store@midmich.edu

Will Commencement, Honors Convocation, and the Nurses' Pinning ceremonies take place?

Yes, virtually!

You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals. And we're working hard to acknowledge your efforts by providing meaningful ways for you to celebrate your successes.

Graduates will be celebrated during a virtual commencement watch party on May 30, and additionally, graduates will be invited to participate in our next in-person ceremony and/or other celebrations. We'll keep updating this page as more information is available.

Click Here for Virtual Commencement, Honors, Convocation, and Nurses' Pinning ceremonies details.

Will I receive CARES funds from Mid?

Mid Michigan College has received funds from the federal CARES Act to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that the effects of this crisis are both immediate and long term and that all students are facing unforeseen hardships and expenses.

In addition, qualifying students who are facing economic hardships can request funds from Mid's CARES Student Support Fund.

For complete details, visit midmich.edu/cares.